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New for Autumn 2015, Di Vapor has released a new all glass steam shower aptly named the Modena, due to the popularity of the similar Savona model. This sleek 900 x 900mm low profile 1 person steam shower can be fitted into a corner or fitted against the centre of the a wall. A large swinging glass door entrance mounted at the front provides an elegant finish to set off even the newest contemporary bathrooms.

The unit comes complete with an artificial marble low profile tray, and removable wooden bench so that you can remove it when not using the unit for steam maximising showering space. In addition to this, the Modena comes complete with everything required for the perfect spa escape including thermostatic valve controls for the overhead monsoon shower and handheld shower, hydro massage body jets, FM radio with MP3 & CD support and provision for aromatherapy.

Often a topic for debate, the common English cup of tea is often seen as the better choice over coffee because of differences in caffeine and the lack of addictive qualities that coffee can offer. But is tea really a better option? The Healthy Hideout decided to find our what makes tea tick:

Five cups a day – Studies suggest that the flavonoids found in standard English teas can help to minimise the increase the in blood pressure caused by the natural occurrence of caffeine by up to 65%. Too much tea however can increase your blood pressure, so try to keep sensible at around 5 cups a day.

Don’ overdo it – It’s common knowledge that caffeine helps increase alertness and helps us to feel more awake, but it’s important to not intake too much. Keep it to below 5 cups a day – Anything above has been known to affect sleeping patterns.

Keeping hydrated – Caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee are often related to dehydration. The intake of caffeine increases the blood flow to the kidneys, inhibiting the re-absorption of sodium, calcium and magnesium causing increased water secretion. Be sure to have a glass of water after a black coffee to keep well hydrated.

Watch your children – UK expert research has shown that the Canadian guidelines for caffeine intake with children are worth adhering to. Keep tea intake to nothing more than 2 small cups of tea a day, encouraging the intake of water instead.

Based in Great Britain, all of us here at the Healthy Hideout like a good morning brew or “elevenses” to get us through the morning. Many of us typically associate tea as being a tanned coloured drink, with milk and 2 sugars, but there is more to it than this.

The dictionary describes the noun “Tea” as a black drink consumed extensively in Britain. However, if you’re not a fan of the typical tea drink, remember that there are many different types to choose from. Here are some of the Healthy Hideout’s most beneficial tea favourites:

White Tea – The least processed of all teas contains the highest concentration of antioxidants, which have been known to help bodies fight free radicals and even cancer. With a smooth, delicate sweet taste, white tea has also been known to help aid in weight loss.

Black Tea – Black tea contains less antioxidants as it is process through fermentation. As the darkest member of the tea family, black tea has the highest levels of polysaccharides – A carbohydrate shown to slow down the absorption of glucose in the body.

Green Tea – Kept in the original tea leaf state, the leaves are steamed by freshly boiled water before drinking. This helps to keep antioxidants locked away longer than black tea, making it a useful addition when fighting illness. Green tea extract is also used to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

Oolong Tea – During processing, oolong undergoes a small amount of fermentation making it rich in polyphenol. Some research also suggested that this tea can help with metabolising fat.

Camomile Tea – Research suggests that intake of this tea on a regular basis promotes the release of glycine (an amino acid), releasing a slight sedative effect. This makes the tea perfect for individuals suffering from insomia, stress or anxiety.

Peppermint Tea – Associated as an effective way to help settle the stomach and aid digestion, whilst alleviating nauseating feelings. Peppermint is also a strong diuretic and can be used as a mild decongestant for illness. Some restaurants even use it as a “amuse-bouche” to cleanse the palate.

Why not try changing your daily tea rituals and see what effects the above have on you. All of us here at the Healthy Hideout have incorporated these wonderful teas in a our daily lives.